Nursing Practice (DNP)

Cupola atop a building on the Molloy University campus

DNP Program


The DNP degree is an innovative program which prepares expert, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to be leaders in meeting the healthcare needs of the 21st century. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) in its landmark publication "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health," has called for an increase in doctorally-prepared nurse leaders to address the needs of society and the growing aging population. Nursing has been challenged with changing the health care system to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, eliminate health disparities, prioritize prevention and improve access and utilization of health services, with a focus on the primary care arena.  Graduates of the Molloy DNP program are in a unique position to lead this endeavor.

Why Choose the DNP Program at Molloy University 

Post-Baccalaureate Degree to DNP

Postbaccalaureate to DNP pathway students will complete an integrated course of study that will prepare them as a  nurse practitioner in one of the specialties (adult-gerontology primary care, adult gerontology acute care, adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist, family, pediatric, psychiatry mental health) and upon graduation will attain state and national certification in that specialty. The program of study ranges from 67 to 70 credits based on the specialty selected, with at least 1000 clinical hours, and is a part time, 5-year program. At the completion of the course of study a degree as a Doctor of Nursing Practice is granted. Postbaccalaureate to DNP students complete a program of study that includes twelve (12) APRN level courses in addition to nine (9) common core courses and four (4) DNP clinical role immersion residency courses.

Post-Masters Degree to DNP

The Post-Masters to DNP pathway is a part time course of study and is composed of nine (9) common core courses totaling 27 credits. Students will also complete four (4) clinical role immersion residency courses- Clinical Residency I and II require 100 clinical hours each, Clinical Residency III and IV require 150 clinical hours each- for a total of 500 clinical hours. The four (4) Residency courses will add 10 credits to the program. A total of 37 credits will be required to complete the Post-Masters to DNP program. Threaded throughout the individual course objectives are the concepts of policy development, business acumen, translational research, advanced practice, leadership, scholarly writing, informatics, and media savvy.

Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program to DNP

The Postgraduate Advanced Certificate Program to DNP pathway may be completed in the following areas: adult-gerontology primary care, adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist, adult gerontology acute care, family, pediatric, psychiatry mental health. The Postgraduate Advanced Certificate NP component of the program is part-time, includes 27 credits (30 for FNP and AGACNP) and a minimum of 500 clinical hours for AGNP, AG-ACNP, CNS, PNP and PMHNP areas and 715 clinical hours for the FNP concentration. Certified AGNP, PNP or Women's Health Practitioners may seek admission based on a gap analysis. A minimum of six credits and 300 clinical hours are required to be taken at Molloy. Accepted students will have a "Gap Analysis" of previous graduate work to determine their progression plan.

Admissions Criteria


  • Post-Baccalaureate to DNP Program

    Program requirements for admission into the Post-Baccalaureate to DNP Program in Nursing include:

    • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from an accredited program
    • Undergraduate GPA 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
    • Current New York state RN license registration certificate
    • One year of recent clinical nursing experience is preferred. For Acute Care BS to DNP, recent inpatient acute care experience preferred
    • Three letters of recommendation attesting to clinical competency
    • A completed application with current curriculum vitae (professional resume)
    • Possess basic computer skills related to application software and information processing
    • Submission of transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate coursework
    • Written essay pertaining to the reason student is pursuing a DNP degree
    • Scholarly writing sample (publication or prior professional/academic writing)
    • Health and professional requirements as determined by the nursing program (see "Pre-Clinical/Practicum Requirements")
    • An interview with the Director of the DNP Program and faculty

  • Post Masters & Post Graduate Advanced Cert to DNP program

    Program requirements for admission into the Post-Master's to DNP Program and Post-Graduate Advanced Certificate Program to DNP Program in Nursing include:

    • Master's degree in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist in adult health.
    • Undergraduate GPA 3.2 on a 4.0 scale and an overall minimum graduate GPA of 3.2
    • Current New York State Registration as a Registered Nurse
    • Current New York State Registration as a Nurse Practitioner or Adult CNS (for Post-Master's to DNP)
    • National Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
    • One year of recent clinical nursing experience is required
    • Three letters of recommendation attesting to clinical competency. One letter of recommendation must be from a manager
    • A completed application with current curriculum vitae (professional resume)
    • Possess basic computer skills related to application software and information processing
    • Submission of transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
    • Written essay pertaining to the reason student is pursuing a DNP degree
    • Scholarly writing sample (publication or prior professional/academic writing)
    • Health and professional requirements as determined by the nursing program (see "Pre-Clinical/Practicum Requirements")
    • An interview with the Associate Dean and Director of the DNP program and faculty of the DNP program with concurrent completion of an on-site brief writing sample evaluated by the designated DNP admission committee